Amebic Pleurisy Secondary to a Liver Abscess: A Case Report

Abstract

We report a case of pleural amoebiasis, diagnosed on the basis of radioclinical findings and positive amoebic serology. Amebic pleuropulmonary disease is the most frequent extra-intestinal expression of amebiasis after liver disease. A 71-year-old male of rural origin, with no recent tuberculosis contagion, who presented purulent pleurisy with a dysenteric syndrome. The patient was treated by antibiotic and pleural decortication under U-VATS. Serological testing and radiological examination will be more useful in the early detection of cases of Entamoeba hystolitica infection. The medical treatement based on a combination of a tissue amoebicide (Metronidazole, etc.) and a contact amoebicide (Hydroxyquinoline, etc.). Surgery may be considered when purulent drainage does not show improvement in the patient's condition.